Severe Oklahoma Storms Injure 11, Thousands Without Power

Multiple tornadoes and severe storms struck Oklahoma overnight on Sunday, causing extensive damage and leaving 11 people injured. The weather system left tens of thousands without electricity and resulted in significant property damage across the state, particularly around Oklahoma City.

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center documented approximately six tornado touchdowns, though final confirmation is pending. The storms brought intense rainfall, causing flash floods and at least one lightning-sparked house fire. Initially, power outages affected 99,000 customers, though crews managed to reduce that number to 34,000 by midday.

Oklahoma City experienced the worst impact. Emergency responders began searching affected areas around 1:30 a.m., despite ongoing rain and tornado threats. In one incident, rescue workers had to extract two people from an overturned mobile home, with one woman suffering injuries from a fallen air conditioning unit.

The nearby town of Choctaw saw entire neighborhoods destroyed. Mayor Chad Allcox reported widespread power line damage and debris-blocked roads. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital South sustained damage, though no injuries were reported at the facility.

Emergency response included opening shelters, including one operated by the American Red Cross at a local casino, to accommodate displaced residents. The University of Oklahoma took protective measures, directing people to shelter on lower floors as the storms approached.

Morning revealed the extent of destruction: debris-filled streets, toppled power lines, damaged buildings, and overturned vehicles. While the immediate storms have passed, weather experts warn of continued severe weather threats through Monday. Weather service chief Richard Thompson cautioned that more storms could develop, though early warning systems likely helped prevent fatalities during the initial outbreak.

Officials continue to urge residents to monitor weather updates and avoid traveling through affected areas as recovery efforts proceed.